Clements Hall Local History Group

Exploring the Scarcroft, Clementhorpe and South Bank areas of York

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06th September 2018

Holding the Line: Female Railway Workers in WW II

On Friday 21 September 2018, History Group member Susan Major will be talking about her new book, out in August from Pen & Sword Books. Female Railway Workers in WW II features the voices of women recorded by the Friends of the National Railway Museum, talking about their wartime railway experiences.

During World War II women took on railway roles which were completely new to females. They worked as porters and guards, on the permanent way, and in maintenance and workshop operations. Many were working in ‘men’s jobs’, or working with men for the first time, and these interviews offer tantalising glimpses of conditions, sometimes under great danger.

Her talk includes women working in the York area: Betty Chalmers was a telephonist when York Station was bombed, and Nellie Nelson was a porter there.

The talk takes place in Clements Hall, at 7.30 pm, and is open to all. You can become a member of the History Group for a small sum of £5 for 2018, which gives you reduced entry (£1) to talks. Non-members are also welcome, at a cost of £3 on the door.

There are a small number of free parking spaces near Clements Hall. It is also easily accessible by buses stopping in Blossom Street (walk along Moss Street opposite the Reel Cinema).If you have any queries please contact us via Clements Hall on 01904 466086 or email enquiries@clementshall.org.uk